CAGAYAN de Oro City’s reelected press club president, Froilan Gallardo, has ignited a firestorm of criticism with a recent Facebook post that many consider “foul” and “unprofessional.”
The post reads, “Strike 3 namo City Hall! Ur money means nothing to journos. This time, wipe out imo slate !! (This is your third strike, City Hall! Journalists don’t care about your money. This time, wipe out your slate!)” has been met with widespread condemnation from local media.
Critics argue that Gallardo’s statement is aggressive and disrespectful and undermines the vital role of a free press.
Former Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) President Ronald Rufin has called the post “foul and unprofessional,” adding that Gallardo’s words suggest a desire to “devalue” or “de-legitimize” the media, implying a desire to “divide and un-unify” the media.
The statement has sparked calls for Gallardo to step down from his position, with many accusing him of being unfit to lead the press club.
Earlier, Radio Lampornas station manager Ronnie Waniwan pointed out that Gallardo’s post implies a desire to “divide and un-unify” the media, saying, “Gallardo is always pretending they are the models and only the good people in the media industry who did not receive any gifts or money and the cleanest journalist in this part of the country.”
Waniwan questioned Gallardo’s inclusion of City Hall in the post, asking, “Why did he include the City Hall? Is it necessary for him to announce that their opponents lost because they are credible and good men with the highest ethical standard?”
However, criticism has already emerged regarding Gallardo’s leadership.
Waniwan, also a former board of directors, expressed concern over Gallardo’s spending habits.
“Froilan needs to address his excessive spending,” Waniwan stated. “I heard from previous officers that a lot of money was left over, but only P25,000 remained.”
“Imagine spending on luxurious hotels, even getting drunk there. He should have exercised prudence, as it wasn’t his money,” Waniwan told Gallardo.
Gallardo’s group claimed a landslide victory, wiping out the Dream Team candidates Jao Gumapac and Martin Rapanot. However, their triumph was overshadowed by allegations of accepting ‘gifts’ from City Hall, casting a shadow of doubt over their win.
Gallardo’s team accused the Dream Team of buying votes, claiming they allocated P2,000 per voter.
Rufin who is also the Radio Natin station manager has asked Gallardo to substantiate this claim, adding that the statement casts doubt on the legitimacy of the election and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the press club.
The controversy has raised concerns about freedom of the press and the potential for a chilling effect on media coverage in Cagayan de Oro.
“Our members have entrusted us with the leadership to unite the club,” said Cong Corrales, newly elected COPC vice president for print under Gallardo’s winning slate.
“Let’s all work together to advance the rights and welfare of our colleagues in the media industry,” Corrales said.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what action will be taken by the Cagayan de Oro Press Club and its members in response to Gallardo’s inflammatory statement.
